Michael Montgomery
Executive Director
Michael Montgomery has more than 30 years experience as the executive officer of economic development organizations and as a consultant to all orders of government in Atlantic Canada. Michael has served as Executive Director of the HCC since 2007 advancing the industry campaign for mandatory licensing and certification while researching and planning for the labour market needs of the industry. He is a strong advocate for enhanced professionalization and a vocal supporter of improvements to apprenticeship systems to make apprenticeship more adaptive and responsive to the needs of workers and industry while increasing enrollments and completions. Michael is a graduate and class valedictorian of Mount Saint Vincent University with a Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing and Economics and has completed studies at the graduate and certificate levels in business and economic development at Simon Fraser University in British Columbia and the University of Waterloo in Ontario.
Jessica Ward
Operations & Project Development Manager
As the Operations and Project Development Manager at HCC, Jessica is a dynamic leader and entrepreneur with a passion for community development, operations management, and business growth. In addition to her work with HCC, Jessica is the Co-Founder and Director of The Space & Company, where she oversees creative business ventures and strengthens community connections. Her ability to balance strategy with creativity has been key to the company’s growth and success. Jessica also serves as the Vice-Chair for the Farm to Feast Cafe Association, contributing her expertise to initiatives that bring together sustainable agriculture and dignified access to food - for everyone. Her dedication to fostering partnerships and driving development reflects her commitment to building inclusive, thriving communities. A skilled multi-tasker with a strong background in project management, business development, and community engagement, Jessica is passionate about creating lasting impact through collaboration and leadership.
Leta Lowthers
Project Coordinator
As Project Coordinator, Leta supports the planning, implementation, and coordination of council initiatives, ensuring programs run smoothly and community outcomes remain front and centre. Born and raised in the Annapolis Valley, Leta’s interest in construction grew early through her grandfather, who taught her practical building skills and demonstrated the impact of hands-on learning. His work in vocational education shaped her belief in the importance of accessible training and skilled trades in strengthening communities. Leta studied Leadership in Management at St. Francis Xavier University and continues to build her expertise through ongoing professional development. With a strong analytical mindset and a collaborative, solutions-focused approach, she brings a commitment to meaningful, community-driven impact in every project she supports.
Emma Langenhoff
Communications & Marketing Coordinator
As the Marketing & Communications Coordinator, Emma brings her passion for storytelling and strategic thinking to the housing construction industry. Emma specializes in crafting effective communication materials, creating meaningful partnerships, and designing impactful marketing and communication plans for campaigns. In her role, Emma thrives on developing innovative strategies to promote the sector’s goals, raise awareness about its initiatives, and strengthen connections with industry stakeholders. Her work involves managing social media channels, developing promotional content, coordinating events, and ensuring consistent and engaging messaging across all platforms.
Devin Ruelland
Industry and Community Engagement Coordinator
As the organization’s Community Engagement Coordinator, Devin is proud to publicly represent HCC at industry events and bring attention to their ongoing efforts to foster a prosperous and sustainable housing industry in Nova Scotia. Devin also works closely with the council’s community partners, forging and maintaining connections between employers, job seekers, and local governments in order to strengthen the province’s home building workforce. Devin is a dedicated educator who sees his work in the construction industry as an excellent opportunity to both build up and give back to his local community. With a background in academic mentorship and client management, as well as extensive experience with the promotion and administration of workplace training, Devin has a deep passion for helping workers and businesses learn, develop, and thrive
Nick Pinsent
Advancement Coach
As the HCC’s Advancement Coach, Nicholas brings a background in Recruitment, HR, and Marketing. With a passion for recruitment, he is working to connect and provide support to employers, job seekers, and local governments throughout the province. With a focus on providing an opportunity for training and development, Nicholas works closely with provincial apprenticeship programs, community colleges, industry training partners, and individual builders to ensure the suitability, relevancy, and capacity of education and training programs to meet the workforce needs. Nicholas has a Bachelor of Commerce degree from Saint Mary’s University, along with a background working within local schools and colleges to provide education and connect students with industry professionals. With a spirited personality and passion for the industry, Nicholas continues to focus on the attraction and retention of job seekers within Nova Scotia.
Kyle Guisso
Housing Construction Training Program Instructor
As HCC's Housing Construction Training program Instructor, Kyle fosters a supportive learning environment and builds strong industry connections to prepare students for successful careers in the construction trades. Kyle guides students through our training programs by integrating carpentry skills with mathematical concepts. He provides hands-on training in carpentry techniques and demonstrates the practical application of math in real-world construction.
Shelly Kelly
Housing Construction Training Program Curriculum Developer
As HCC's Curriculum Developer, Shelly designs all of our training program curricula. The curriculum Shelly creates meets participants where they are in the housing construction Industry, empowering them to enhance their skills and expand their employment opportunities. Shelly is also a PhD and faculty member of the Curriculum Studies program at Mount Saint Vincent University. She has over 25 years of experience in designing innovative training programs and curriculum, both internationally and here in Nova Scotia. She brings a passion for creating accessible, competency-based trades training. Shelly designed the Tiny Home Construction Fundamentals program to meet participants where they are in the housing construction Industry, empowering them to enhance their skills and expand their employment opportunities.
Brett Gary Swimnar
Red Seal Housing Construction Training Program Instructor
As HCC’s Red Seal Housing Construction Training Program Instructor, Brett equips participants with hands-on carpentry skills, safe tool handling, and the knowledge needed to work confidently on an active jobsite. Brett’s construction journey began in high school, and over the past two decades, he has built a diverse and meaningful career in the field. His experience spans residential construction across Nova Scotia, large-scale projects in Nunavut, and work with the Provincial Housing Authority, where he earned his Red Seal certification. Over the years, Brett has worked as a builder, business owner, facilities manager, and trainer with Atlas Structural Systems, supporting contractors and strengthening building standards across the province. His passion for construction, education, and community development drives his work with the Housing Construction Council—helping shape and inspire the next generation of skilled trades professionals.
Kirstene Reyes
Red Seal Housing Construction Training Program Instructor
As HCC’s Red Seal Housing Construction Training Program Instructor, Kirstene equips participants with hands-on carpentry skills, safe tool handling, and the knowledge needed to work confidently on an active jobsite. Kirstene began her carpentry apprenticeship in 2012 in Newfoundland, gaining valuable experience on large industrial projects. Deeply passionate about the trades, she has mentored numerous young women through Skills Canada NL, helping them explore opportunities in the field. In 2023, Kirstene was invited to serve as a keynote speaker at the Techsploration Alumnae Conference, where she shared her journey to inspire and empower young women to pursue careers in the trades. In 2021, she founded Intentionally Tiny Custom Homes Ltd., a company dedicated to using tiny homes as a means of promoting social responsibility, environmental stewardship, and housing advocacy. By empowering the next generation of tradespeople with practical, hands-on experience, she is actively contributing to a more robust and skilled workforce.
Graham Hicken
Red Seal Housing Construction Training Program Instructor
As HCC’s Red Seal Housing Construction Training Program Instructor, Graham equips participants with hands-on carpentry skills, safe tool handling, and the knowledge needed to work confidently on an active jobsite. Graham Hicken is a Red Seal Cabinetmaker and Canadian Armed Forces Veteran with over 25 years of experience working in the construction industry. He holds a Diploma in Industrial Woodworking from Conestoga College and a Certificate in Adult Education from Holland College. Graham spent 15 years as an instructor at Holland College, where he blended hands-on industry expertise with a passion for education and skills development. Dedicated to advancing the skilled trades, Graham served as Prince Edward Island’s Skills Canada representative for Cabinet Making for over 10 years, coaching and judging at both provincial and national competitions. He also contributed to institutional leadership as a member of the Holland College Board of Governors for 6 years. In recent years, he supported the Construction Association of Prince Edward Island in launching the Discovery Carpentry Program, helping to introduce young people to the construction industry and trades careers. Beyond his professional and educational achievements, Graham has a strong background in community service and public safety. He served as Captain with the East River Fire Department from 2002 to 2007 and as Safety Training Officer with the Mount Stewart Fire Department from 2007 to 2012. Now living in Nova Scotia, Graham continues to bring leadership, mentorship, and a lifelong commitment to trade excellence and community service to everything he does.
Lois MacIntyre
Red Seal Housing Construction Training Program Instructor
As HCC's Housing Construction Training program Instructor, Lois fosters a supportive learning environment and builds strong industry connections to prepare students for successful careers in the construction trades. Lois is a highly skilled and compassionate educator from the Cape Breton-Victoria Regional Centre for Education (CBVRCE), supporting training initiatives for the Housing Construction Council. Lois specializes in Technology and Curriculum Delivery, bringing a strong background in the effective instruction, evaluation, and reporting of learning plans. She is highly proficient in both face-to-face and e-learning platforms and is experienced in preparing individuals for the skilled trades and supporting cooperative education programs. Lois's expertise ensures successful program implementation and skills development for the construction sector.